Ontario’s health minister says the government is spending $25 million to replace a certain type of mammography screening device across the province after research showed it is less effective than other types.

Ontario’s health minister says the province is spending $25 million to replace a certain type of mammography screening device across the province after research published today showed the device is less effective than other types.

The technology being replaced, called “computed radiography,” is currently used for about 20 per cent of mammograms in Ontario.

The study published in the journal Radiology shows that other technology — direct radiography mammograms and screen-film mammograms — are better at detecting breast cancer.

“Ontario is committed to being a world leader in cancer care, which is why our government is making changes based on this new information and the advice of our experts. With the support of health care providers, Ontario will phase out (computed radiography) devices across Ontario over the coming months,” said Health Minister Deb Matthews in a statement.

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